Dual channel memory, or just MORE memory.

H

Hadoken

Limp Gawd
Joined
Feb 25, 2005
Messages
137
It's time for me to upgrade memory.
Currently I have 2 sticks of 256mb in my Asus A7N8X Deluxe mobo. 512 mb really doesn't cut it using Photoshop and BFV. I'm going to buy a 512mb stick, but should I use one 512 and 1 256 (768mb total) and use Dual Channel or put all 3 sticks in and have 1gb of RAM but no Dual Channel?

I'm only using a Athlon XP 2400+ (thoroughbread, not Barton) so I have a feeling that my CPU doesn't need the extra speed that Dual Channel offers, and 1 gig would be better.

Thanks for the help.
 
dual channel must have equal memory to work - in other words two matching sticks of 256mb or two of 512mb, etc. Using a 256 with a 512 will not allow dual channel to work. So, if you need to buy more memory - buy two sticks of 512 IF you want dual channel (5% performance boost in some applications, memory size equal) or just add one 512 and keep the two 256 for a total of 1gig (which is what I'd do if I didnt have the $ to buy two 512...) either way you should see a performance boost.
 
Actually, it gets better. If you get 2x256 + 1x512 of the same kind of memory, chances are it'll work in dual channel. You put 2x256 on the 2 slot channel & the 512 in the 1 slot channel and voila! 1GB in dual channel.
If it's unstable in dual channel mode, you intentionally break dual channel by putting one of the 256MB chips in the 1-slot channel. That'll kill the little performance boost you get from dual channel, but will also improve stability.
 
Yeah DC won't due much for ur pre amd 64 cpu so instead of the usual 5-10% increase in the a64 u get maybe 1-2% so i say get more ram that has tigher timings if possible! =)
 
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